The Rand Water Horticulture Learnership Programme is a free training job for South African youth who are bored of being stuck at home and want to learn real skills with plants.
If you are between 18 and 35, have finished Grade 12 and are looking for a chance to work outdoors, this could be the perfect start to a career in gardening, landscaping or the water industry.
Apply before 27 February 2026 – the deadline is fast‑approaching.
The learning site is in Rietvlei, Glenvista, Gauteng.
Who is Rand Water?
Rand Water is one of the biggest water companies in the world. Since 1903, it has given clean drinking water to more than 12 million people in South Africa’s big cities, especially Johannesburg, which does not have a big river nearby.
Rand Water works to create jobs and help people learn skills that are hard to find.
What the Learnership Looks Like
The programme is called “Horticulture Learnership, NQF Level 2”.
It mixes two things:
- On‑the‑job training in real gardens and farms.
- Classroom lessons that cover plant science and care.
You will learn how to keep a garden healthy, plant new trees, mix soil, and manage watering systems. The goal is to give you a solid base in horticulture and plant production that you can use right away.
Who Can Join?
- Must be unemployed.
- Must not be enrolled in a school or another learnership.
- Must not already hold a post‑matric qualification (bachelor’s degree or similar).
- Age between 18 and 35.
- South African citizen with a valid ID.
Matric requirements:
- You need at least a Level 3 in Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy), Life Science, and all other subjects.
You also need a SAQA / NLRD verification report, which can be downloaded from the SAQA website.
What You Need to Apply
Your application must include:
- A certified copy of your SA ID.
- Proof that you live in South Africa (utility bill or similar).
- A certified copy of your matric certificate.
- The SAQA / NLRD verification report.
- A recent CV (updated).
Make sure the copies are clear and valid – bad copies can cause you to be disqualified.
Day‑to‑Day Tasks
If you get accepted, you will:
- Help run and keep a horticultural site tidy.
- Watch plant growth and look for signs of trouble.
- Prepare soil and plant new seedlings.
- Keep tools, machines and irrigation systems working.
- Take part in watering, fertilising and growing new plants.
- Attend classroom classes that cover plant theory.
- Finish assignments, keep a logbook of what you learn, and write tests to show your progress.
What Will You Learn?
Knowledge
- How Rand Water supports South Africa’s water supply and why this matters for plants.
Skills
- Good speaking and writing – you’ll need to explain what you’re doing to others.
Attitude
- Drive to learn and do the work.
- A love of nature and a wish to make the world a greener place.
Why It Matters
- You receive an official NQF Level 2 qualification that you can add to a CV.
- You gain hands‑on experience that is useful if you want a job in agriculture, landscaping or the water sector.
- You get to work outside and see the real impact of good plant care.
If you enjoy spending time in green spaces, this is a great way to start a career.
How to Get Started
Click here to apply for the Rand Water Horticulture Learnership Programme 2026 (NQF Level 2).
(Apply before 27 February 2026 – after that the spots will be full.)
One Last Check
This program is only for unemployed youth who have not yet finished a post‑matric course.
Make sure every document is correct and ready.
Missing a single piece can mean you won’t get a chance.
Take this step and build a useful skill set with one of South Africa’s most respected water providers. Good luck!
